Found this hard, foam-like brown structure attached to a fence post in the backyard. I was about to scrape it off but hesitated. What is it?

mantis increases the likelihood of her offspring’s survival once they hatch in the spring. Keeping an eye out for these egg cases can help you understand the distribution of praying mantises in your garden.
5. Is It Safe? Why You Shouldn’t Scrape Off a Mantis Egg Case
While it might be tempting to remove an unfamiliar structure from your backyard, it’s essential to recognize the ecological role of a praying mantis egg case. These egg cases are harmless to humans and pets, and their presence indicates a healthy, balanced garden